Ravindra Sathe, the chairman of the Maharashtra State Khadi and Village Industries Board, has emphasized the need for an integrated beekeeping policy and a dedicated registration portal to enhance the state's honey production sector. Maharashtra produced nearly 1.75 lakh metric tonnes of honey last year, with 40% of this output coming from the Khadi and Village Industries Commission. However, the state currently lacks accurate data on the total number of beekeepers and those involved in honey-related activities. To address this, Sathe proposed a registration portal to formalize the sector, drawing inspiration from Israel's successful model.

Sathe highlighted the challenges posed by climatic conditions, particularly during the monsoon, which complicates beekeeping. The Maharashtra government is coordinating with four agricultural universities to develop a comprehensive roadmap for the sector. Additionally, the state offers a 10-day training program for aspiring beekeepers, along with a 50% subsidy on bee colonies after training completion. The 'Madhu Gram' initiative has already reached 350 villages, providing significant financial support to participants. With Maharashtra offering one of the highest honey procurement prices in India, Sathe believes that promoting beekeeping can significantly benefit local farmers and entrepreneurs.